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MCC's water monitoring plan can be found beginning on page <br /> 2.05-57. <br /> 3. Summary and Findings <br /> The Division has examined the Probable Hydrologic Consequences due to <br /> mining operations for the groundwater and surface water systems at the <br /> West Elk Mine. The Division finds that underground mining at the West <br /> Elk Mine will not have a significant impact on these water systems. The <br /> mine will take the necessary measures to ensure that mining will not affect <br /> the hydrologic regime (2.07.6(2)(c)). <br /> IV. Topsoil <br /> Baseline soils information can be found in Section 2.04.9 in Volume 1 in the permit <br /> document. A suitability analyses of the topsoil was performed before the site was <br /> disturbed. In most areas topsoil quality as seedbed material is considered moderate to <br /> good, with a few areas that are considered poor. Soil mapping and physical <br /> descriptions of the soil are based on SCS soil surveys completed for the area. <br /> The operator's topsoil salvage and redistribution plan can be found in Section 2.05.4. <br /> Topsoil and subsoil stockpiles are shown on Map 53. <br /> Topsoil will be removed ahead of surface disturbance activities. Any vegetative cover <br /> that would interfere with topsoil removal will be removed first. The West Elk Mine <br /> had already completed the majority of topsoil and vegetation removal when the mine <br /> facilities were constructed in 1981. Since the majority of reclamation will occur upon <br /> completion of mining, topsoil stockpiles have been designed and maintained so as to <br /> minimize wind and water erosion and to preserve the seedbed material. Stockpiles in <br /> place for five years or more have been or will be seeded with the permanent seed mix. <br /> Subsoil not fully suitable for seedbed material is also excavated, as necessary, for <br /> construction purposes. Topsoil consisting of all of the A horizon and part of the B <br /> horizon of each soil series present is stripped before construction begins. <br /> The operator will distribute 12 to 18 inches of topsoil over the entire disturbed area. <br /> However, the Lower Refuse Disposal Area will be replaced with 18 to 24 inches of <br /> topsoil and subsoil. A variance to the four feet of nontoxic cover has been granted to <br /> the West Elk Mine. This variance is discussed further in Section VIII, Coal Mine <br /> Waste Banks in this Findings Document. After the soil has been replaced, the surface <br /> is loosed and roughened by disking, harrowing, or dragging, which will increase <br /> infiltration, thereby reducing surface runoff. Various conditioners and neutralizers <br /> may be used to modify seedbed conditions, or enhance vegetative cover. <br /> 48 <br />